LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — There's really nothing quite like big media scrum around Scott Boras. Reporters fire off questions about more than a dozen players who are represented by Boras, who doesn't even have to pause and think before he responds with a detailed (and usually glowing) analysis of the market for said player.

And since the Nationals have so many ties to Boras now — Jayson Werth, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Ivan Rodriguez, Jesus Flores, Danny Espinosa and Alberto Gonzalez — are all represented by him, as a reporter you have no choice but to wedge yourself into the scrum when Boras speaks at the Winter Meetings and glean whatever nuggets you can get out of him.

So, here's what the super agent had to say about some Nats-related matters just a few minutes ago…

On Stephen Strasburg: "His spirits are high. Coming through the surgery and understanding that he's A-OK and listening to the doctors comment, I think it's turned out where he's on the path of a very solid understanding of his future and where he can go."

On Strasburg's mechanics and whether he'll need to change them post-surgery: "I think we're going to leave the mechanics to the Washington Nationals. There's a lot of things that are said. But we've been through the Tommy John situation with a whole host of pitchersRead more »

I saw Boras on that staging area with the throng of reporters around him like riders at rush hour on a packed Metro. Unreal! He always seems the most important guy at MLB affiliated meetings where agents are in attendance!

Some may be frustrated with Boras, but if I was a player, he would be my guy. He represents his players with toughness and smarts, and gets the best value for their ability. What's wrong with that. It's a business after all.

Anon 2:40 – I wouldn't be surprised if that's a regurgitation of the NY Post's Sherman guessing at who the mystery team (or teams) that have offered 7 years, since the Rangers and Yankees have so adamantly denied. His guess:Maybe it really is the Nationals. One executive told me Washington's spending urge is being fueled by a perfect storm of an 85-year-old owner (Ted Lerner) who wants to win now and his son (Mark), who aggressively wants to make a name for himself and the franchise. As an NL executive said, "Once you give Jayson Werth seven years all bets are off for what you will do next." I have to insist that I rather enjoy the Nats current perception as crazed, prolific spenders. What a change!

If some team comes close to the 7 year $160+ mill deal Lee is looking for, that may get him. That equates to $23 million a year. I think to see if it is worth it you have to look at the value over a #2 or #3 pitcher you may be contemplating to sign as it is the incremental amount you will pay over a replacement pitcher, and the length of the contract are the 2 big considerations as it isn't so much the next 3 to 4 years, as it is years 5, 6, and 7 when Cliff Lee is 37, 38, and 39 years old and actuarily the decline of most pitchers careers as he may be worthless at that point.Andy Pettite was 38 years old this past season so it can still be done at that age which happened to be Pettite best W/L % of his career!Glad its not my money! I think Rizzo is smart enough to know when to walk away and know when to run.

I found Pena's comments somewhat refreshing, he took less years and signed with the Cubs because he likes the park, the city and the history. Of course I'm probably a sucker for that language because I'm from Chicago and grew up a Cubs fan. However, from that perspective, I can also say the following: wait, he knows the history and is still confident of winning? Sign him up, he'll fit right in on the North Side.

Since this is a Boras thread, it is appropriate to mention with all the rumor that goes on around these meetings that it is usually fueled by the agent's and team's leaks with more lying and BSing going on then at a Bachelor Party in Las Vegas!

ST will tell, but I think you're right Big Cat. Harper is a more advanced hitter than Bernadina, Maxwell, or Morgan in the OF. He's good enough to hit LHPers as well as RHPers. He also goes opposite field in a skilled manner, and his bat speed will be talked about.Still it won't hurt him to leave ST and play through the minors. He could easily start at AA, but I doubt that Rizzo will see it that way.We'll leave the IF guys out of this comparison. In time, Harper will settle, with his bat, any comparitive discussion.